What are the benefits and problems of
using video in experimentation? If you have access
to a video recorder, attempt to transcribe a piece
of action and conversation (it does not have to be
an experiment - a soap opera will do!). What
problems did you encounter?

answer

The benefits of video include: accurate,
realistic representation of task performance especially
where more than one video is used; a permanent record
of the observed behaviour.

The disadvantages include: vast amounts
of data that are difficult to analyse effectively;
transcription; obtrusiveness; special equipment required.

By carrying out this exercise, you will
experience some of the difficulties of representing
a visual record in a semi-formal written format. If
you are working in a group, discuss which parts of
the video are most difficult to represent, and how
important these parts are to understanding the clip.